Low cost sealed connector

ABSTRACT

A low cost sealed electrical connector in which the mating plug and receptacle connector members are each formed of a unitary body of elastic pliant molded material in which mating contacts are mounted in aligned contact passages. The receptacle connector member is formed with a resiliently radially expandable sleeve which slidably receives a forwardly extending annular section of the plug connector member. Such annular section defines a cavity which slidably receives a central projection formed on the receptacle connector member. Either a deformable lip or a plurality of ribs are formed on the outer surface of the plug annular section which have an interference fit with the inner surface of the sleeve thereby providing a primary interfacial seal therebetween. The projection on the receptacle provides mechanical support for the plug annular section and also is in sealing engagement therewith so as to provide a secondary seal. A lip seal or sealing ribs are formed on the wall of each contact passage to provide a rear seal for the insulated wire which is connected to the contact mounted in the passage.

United States Patent 1 Goodman et a1.

[ LOW COST SEALED CONNECTOR [75] Inventors: David S. Goodman, Orange;Gerald J. Selvin, Huntington Beach; Jack Lange nbach, Newport Beach;Willys T. Lemm. Costa Mesa; Wilfred L. Mintz, Granada Hills. all ofCalif.

[73] Assignee: International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation, NewYork. NY.

221 Filed: July 20,1973

1211 Appl.No.:38l,267

3.068.443 12/1962 Nava et a1. 339/59 M 3.120.987 211964 Degnan et a1339/94 R 3.124.405 3/1964 Massa 339/60 R 3.396.360 8/1968 Praget.....339/94 R 3.594.696 7/1971 Witek. .1r.... 339/60 M 3.683.315 8/1972 Kelly339/61 R 3.727.172 4/1973 Clark 339/59 M 3.763.458 10/1973 Taormina eta1 339/59 R 3.787.796 1/1974 Barr 339/60 R FORElGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS United Kingdom 339/61 R 1 1 Apr. 29, 1975 PrimaryE.\'aminerloseph H. McGlynn Attorney. Agent, or Firm-Thomas L. Peterson1571 ABSTRACT A low cost sealed electrical connector in which the matingplug and receptacle connector members are each formed of a unitary bodyof elastic pliant molded material in which mating contacts are mountedin aligned contact passages. The receptacle connector member is formedwith a resiliently radially expandable sleeve which slidably receives aforwardly extending annular section of the plug connector member. Suchannular section defines a cavity which slidably receives a centralprojection formed on the receptacle connector member. Either adeformable lip or a plu rality of ribs are formed on the outer surfaceof the plug annular section which have an interference fit with theinner surface of the sleeve thereby providing a primary interfacial sealtherebetween. The projection on the receptacle provides mechanicalsupport for the plug annular section and also is in sealing engagementtherewith so as to provide a secondary seal. A lip seal or sealing ribsare formed on the wall of each contact passage to provide a rear sealfor the insulated wire which is connected to the contact mounted in thepassage.

11 Claims. 7 Drawing Figures SHEET 1 BF 2 AGE 8% 9v mm 3 mm @b 8 mm mm QE! Q. Q m m m 0 m m 8% AQ w Q 0% 0 Q Q\ 0% LOW COST SEALED CONNECTORBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to anelectrical connector and, more particularly, to a low cost sealedelectrical connector suitable for use, for example. in automotivevehicles.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART There are generally two different types ofelectrical connectors, namely, sealed and unsealed. The term, sealed. asused herein refers to the ability of a connector, that is, the matedplug and receptacle members, to prevent the intrusion of moisture orother contaminants into the area of the connector containing theelectrical contacts.

There are presently available a number of electrical connectors whichare of the sealed type. However, methods to achieve sealing in theseconnectors are expensive and have functional limitations which renderthe connectors unacceptable for some applications. In one form of such asealed electrical connector, an elastomeric sealing member is faced oneach end of the respective parts of the connector. The central sealingmember is referred to in the art as an interfacial seal. To function,this seal must be held in a compressed condition against the matingsurfaces of the connector parts. This requires some form of positivecoupling or latching between such parts which adds to the cost of theconnector. Loss of this pressure between the parts will allow moistureentry into the connector.

In another form of a sealed connector. the entire body of the connectoris formed of a plastic material. Typically, the central or interfacialseal for the connec tor is provided by the sealing engagement of aforward cylindrical portion of the plug with a cylindrical recess formedin the forward end of the receptacle connector member of the connector.In addition the rear seal, that is, the seal between the contact passageand the contact, is provided simply by an interference fit between themating cylindrical surfaces of the parts. A connector of this particularform is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,60l,760. Such a connector howeveris not capable of entirely preventing the intrusion of moisture or othercontaminants over a wide variety of temperature and environmentalconditions as encountered in automotive vehicles. It is also known inthe art to provide rubber grommets in connectors in which resilientsealing ribs are formed in the contact passages extending through thegrommets. Other rear sealing techniques are also known. For example, asdisclosed in copending application of John E. Barr, Ser. No. 298,416,filed Oct. l7, I972, entitled Low Cost Sealed Connector and Method ofMaking Same", assigned to the assignee of the present application, aradially deformable collet is forced into an annular space between aninsulated wire joined to a contact and the wall of the contact passagein the connector insulator to provide a rear seal. The interfacial orcentral seal for this connector is provided separately for each contactpair in the form ofa projection having ribs thereon which have aninterference fit with the walls of a recess formed in the matingconnector member. While all the aforementioned techniques have beenknown and utilized, still no connector has yet been devised whichadequately prevents the intrusion of moisture or other contaminants intothe interior thereof and which is sufficiently low in cost to bepractical from an economic standpoint for use on automotive vehicles. Itis the purpose of the present invention to provide such a connector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is the principal object of the presentinvention to provide an improved low cost sealed electrical connector.

According to the principal aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a low cost sealed electrical connector in which the mating plugand receptacle connector members each comprises a unitary body ofelastic pliant material with electrical contacts mounted in alignedpassages in the bodies. The receptacle connector member embodies aresiliently radially expandable forwardly extending sleeve portion whichslidably receives an annular section which extends forwardly from theplug connector member. Annular sealing means is integrally formed on oneof the connector members extending radially between the sleeve portionof the receptacle connector member and the annular section of the plugconnector member. A projection is formed on the receptacle connectormember which extends into the cavity defined by the annular section ofthe plug connector member. This projection provides a relatively rigidmechanical support for such annular section thus assuring that aneffective primary interfacial seal is provided between the mated parts.In addi tion, the projection on the receptacle connector member is insealing engagement with the wall of the cavity in the plug connectormember so that a secondary seal is formed in series with the primaryseal. thereby assur ing that contaminants and moisture external oftheconnector will not intrude into the central interior area of theconnector containing the electrical contacts. Rear seals for theinsulated wires connected to the contacts are provided by either aplurality of ribs or a radially extending lip integrally formed on thewall of each contact passage. A connector embodying the aforementionedinterfacial and rear seals has been found to be air and moisture tightover a wide variety oftemperature and environmental conditions. Inaddition, the connector bodies may be molded as unitary parts therebyminimizing manufacturing and assembly costs.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become more readilyappreciated by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in con nection with the accompanying drawings in which likereference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout thevarious views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partial longitudinalsectional view taken along line l] of FIG. 2 showing mated receptacleand plug members of a connector embodying the features of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the plug connector member illustrated in FIG.I;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a modified form of theinterfacial seal of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view showing another alternative formof the interfacial seal of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view showing still a further form ofthe interfacial seal of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view showing an alternative form of arear seal which may be utilized in the connector of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating a modified form of acontact retention element in accordance with the present invention,

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference is now made to thedrawings in detail. par ticularly FIGS. 1 and 2, which illustrate apreferred form of the electrical connector of the present inventiongenerally indicated 10. The connector comprises mated receptacle andplug members 12 and 14, respec tively. Except for the contacts mountedtherein. each connector member consists ofa unitary mass of moldedelastic pliant material which is chemically resistant to hostileenvironments and varying temperature conditions.

Any thermoplastic elastomer. such as polyurethane polyester. for examplecould be utilized as the material of the plug and receptacle connectormembers. It will be appreciated. however, that other elastomers could beutilized if they possess the required characteristics of resiliency,flexibility and softness to produce cffective seals when configured inaccordance with the present invention, as will be described laterherein.

The receptacle connector member 12 is formed with a resiliently radiallyexpandable forwardly extending cylindrical sleeve 16. A centralforwardly extending projection 18 is also formed on the receptacleconnector member 12 inside the sleeve 16. The outer surface 20 of theprojection i8 is spaced from the inner cylindrical surface 22 of thesleeve to define therebetween an annular recess 24.

The plug connector member 14 is formed with a forwardly extendingannular section 26 which provides a central cavity 28. When thereceptacle and plug connector members are mated. as illustrated in FIG.I, the projection 18 is slidable received within the cavity 28 and theannular section 26 is slidably received in the annular recess 24.

An interfacial seal, generally designated 30. is provided between thecylindrical inner surface 22 of the sleeve 16 and the cylindrical outersurface 32 of the annular section 26 of the plug connector member. Inthe preferred embodiment of the invention. the interfacial sealcomprises a plurality of annular ribs 34 integrally formed on theannular section 26 ofthe piug connector member. The ribs extend from thecylindrical outer surface 32 of the plug radially toward the cylindricalinner surface 22 of the sleeve 16. The ribs are dimen sioned so as tohave an interference fit with the sleeve 16. Compressive deformation ofthe ribs, in intimate contact with the smooth cylindrical inner surfaceof 22 of the sleeve 16, causes an elastic deformation of the sleeve. aswell as a slight bulging of the outer surface of the sleeve as indicatedat 36. The compressive deformation of the ribs and elastic deformationof the sleeve 16 results in an air and moisture tight primary labyrinthseal between the plug and the receptacle connector members. Since theprojection 18 on the receptacle connector member underlies this seal, itprovides a relatively rigid support for maintaining sealing engagementbetween the ribs 34 and the sleeve 16. Preferably the outer surface 20of the projection 18 has a frustoconical configuration which mates withthe wall 38 of the cavity 28 in the plug connector member that has alike frusto-conical configuration. The mating frustoconical surfaces 20and 38 tend to create a wedging action between the annular section 26and the projection 18 when the plug connector member is mated with thereceptacle connector member thereby enhancing the sealing engagement ofthe ribs 34 with the inner surface 22 of the sleeve 16. In addition, theengagement of the mating frusto-conical surfaces 20 and 38 produces asecondary seal in series with the primary seal provided by the ribs 34thus assuring that air, moisture or other contaminants do not enter theinterior of the connector.

Latching means. generally designated 40, is integrally formed on the twoconnector members for releasable holding the same together. Suchlatching means comprises an integral, radially inwardly extending flange42 formed on the sleeve 16 adjacent to its outer end. The sleeve isbeveled at its inner surface to provide a frusto conical lead surface 44which facilitates insertion of the annular section 26 of the plugconnector member into the receptacle connector member. A radiallyoutwardly extending flange 46 is formed on the plug connector member.This flange is positioned behind the flange 42 when the connectormembers are mated. The flange 42 provides a rearwardly facing inclinedsurface 48. A similarly inclined rearwardly facing surface 50 is formedon the flange 46 adjacent to the surface 48. Since the sleeve 16 isresiliently radially expandable. when the plug connector member isinitially mated with the receptacle connector member. the flange 42 willride over the surface of the ribs 38 and the flange 46 until it passesthe inclined surface 50 whereupon the flange will contract therebylatching the two connector members together. To separate the connectormembers. the members are pulled axially apart whereupon the flange 42will expand radially outwardly due to the engagement of the inclinedsurface 48 on flange 42 with the inclined surface 50 on flange 46whereby the latching means is uncoupled thus allowing full disengagementof the connector members. It will be appreciated that due to theresiliency of the sleeve 16, the ribs 34 may be shifted axially withrespect thereto during the engaging and disengaging of the connectormembers.

It is noted that the forward portions of the plug and receptacleconnector members are shaped so that the plug connector member fillsnearly all the space within the receptacle connector member, namely theannular recess 24. Thus. when the two halves of the connector are mated.air contained within is caused to be expelled. Displacement of this airwithin the connector body produces a condition which results in aslightly greater than atmospheric pressure within the connector. Thispressure resists ingress of moisture or air into the interior of theconnector.

The receptacle connector member 12 and plug connector member 14 areprovided with a plurality of axially aligned longitudinally extendingcontact passages 52 and 54, respectively. Three such passages are shownin F107 2 for each connector member by way of example only. Obviously. agreater or smaller number of pas sages could be provided if desired. Asocket contact 56 is positioned in each of the passages 52 while a pincontact 58 is positioned in each of the passages 54. In FIG. 1, one setof aligned passages 52 and 54 are shown without the contacts mountedtherein to clarify the disclosure. Each contact terminates an insulatedwire 60. In FIG. 1, the contacts are shown as being of the closed barreltype, the barrel being crimped onto the wire. The contact passages 52 inthe receptacle connector member extend through the projection 18 whilethe contact passages 54 in the plug connector member open into thecentral cavity 28 of the plug connector member. The pin contacts 58extend outwardly into the cavity for engagement with the socket contacts56 when the connector members are mated. Thus, the mated contacts aredisposed within the interior of the primary interfacial seal 30 and thesecondary seal provided by the mating frusto-conical surfaces 20 and 38.

Means are integrally formed on the receptacle and plug connector membersfor retaining their respective contacts therein. Such means comprises aflange 64 which extends radially inwardly from the wall of each contactpassage. Said flange is sufficiently resilient and pliant to allow acontact to pass therethrough when it is inserted through the rear of thecontact passage. Each contact is formed with an annular recess 66. Thedepth of the recess 66 and the radial dimension of each flange 64 aresuch that the flange will have a snug fit in the recess to hold thecontact against appreciable longitudinal movement relative to theconnector mem her body.

A rear seal, generally designated 70, is provided between the rearportion of each contact passage in the connector members and theinsulated wire 60 mounted therein. In FIG. 1, such rear seal comprises aplurality of radially inwardly extending deformable ribs 72 which areintegral with the wall of the passage. These ribs are dimensioned so asto have an interference fit with the insulation covering on the wire 60thereby producing an intimate mechanical contact and labyrinth sealbetween the insulated wire and the connector member body. As pressureincreases on the one or either side of this seal, the pressure acts onthe wire insulation and body material causing the wire insulation toplastically deform and the body elastomer to elastically conform withincreasing pressure. This results in a tight seal between the wireinsulation and connector body. Preferably the outer periphery of theribs 34 and the inner periphery of the ribs 72 have a convexly curvedconfiguration in longitudinal crosssection. This configuration of thesealing ribs has been found to provide a far more effective sealingengagement than with ribs which have a flat outer or inner perimeter asthe case may be.

Preferably the rear sections 74 of the receptacle and plug connectormembers are molded so as to have a reduced cross-section as best seen inFIG. 2. The contact passages extend through the rear sections 74 of theconnector body. Each such secton is formed with three sides 76 disposedclosely as possible to the walls of the passages to minimize thethickness of the body about the passages and thus provide a moreresilient wall area around the passages for accommodating different sizewires. Longitudinally extending grooves 78 are formed in the walls 76between the passages to further enhance the flexibility of the materialsurrounding the passages.

From the foregoing, it is seen that by the present invention there isprovided unitary connector members which have an interfacial seal, rearseals, latching arrangement and contact retention means all integrallyformed thereon. Thus, all the necessary features required for aneffective connector are provided in a pair of unitary bodies of elasticpliant material. These bodies may be formed by conventional moldingtechniques. Therefore, it can be seen that the connector of the presentinvention may be manufactured at very low cost and with no assemblyprocedures required except the insertion of the contact terminated wiresinto the respective contact passages. Moreover, the latter procedure maybe performed without the requirement of a special tool, and the contactsmay be withdrawn from the connector members simply by pulling on theinsulated wires, again without the requirement of a special tool forreleasing the contact retention means.

A connector as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 has been tested to determineits ability to withstand various temperatures and climatic conditions.One sample of the connector was temperature cycled 100 times bysubjecting it alternately to 40C for l hour followed by heating theconnector to I05C for 1 hour. The connector was immersed into water atthe end of l l,l 8,80 and I00 cycles and was subjected to externalpressurization of 10 psi. No leakage was evidenced at this pressureafter this temperature cycling test. Also no electrical failure wasobserved. Another sample of the connector was immersed in a 6 inch headof 57r salt solution at room temperature for 504 hours. No leakage wasevidenced and satisfactory electrical resistance was maintained. Anothersample was immersed in a 4 foot head of 5% salt solution at roomtemperature for 164 hours. The connector was then pressure tested at l0psi for l0 minutes. This sample also evidenced no leakage andsatisfactory electrical resistance was maintained. Two samples of theconnector were exposed at temperatures of 105C for 100 hours and noleakage failure was exhibited in the rear seals ofthe connectors. Threefurther samples were exposed to temperatures of C and 105C for 120 hoursand no leakage failures were observed in the interfacial seals of theconnectors. An additional sample was exposed to oil vapor at 96C for 200hours and no leakage or electrical failures were observed. Thus, it isseen that the connector of the pres ent invention is satisfactory forperformance on automotive vehicles or the like wherein environmentalconditions may be encountered which are similar to or less severe thanthe conditions created in the aforemen tioned tests.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an alternative form of theconnector of the present invention. In this embodiment, the matingsurfaces 38 and 20 on the plug connector member annular section 26 andprojection 18, respectively, have a cylindrical rather than a frustoconical configuration. The forward inner surface of the annular section26 is beveled to provide a frustoconical lead surface 80. The outersurface of the projection 18 is also beveled to provide a frusto-conicallead surface 82 which is complementary to the surface 80. The surfacesand 82 cooperate to facilitate insertion of the annular section 26 ofthe plug connector member into the recess 24 in the receptacle connectormember.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention wherein the interfacialseal 30 is in the form of a lip seal rather than a labyrinth seal. Thelip seal comprises a radially extending axially and radially resilientlip 84 integrally formed on the bottom of a recess 85 in the annularsection 26 of the plug connector member. The length of this lip isgreater than the distance between the bottom of the recess and thecylindrical surface 22 of the sleeve 16. Thus. when the connectormembers are mated. the outer portion of the lip is caused to beelastically deflected. bending rearwardly and assuming the positionillustrated in FIG. 4. Sealing is effected by intimate mechanicalcontact and elastic deformation of the lip and the receptacle surfaces.Increased external pressure improves the seal effectiveness by forcingthe lip more tightly against the surface 22. FIG. illustrates aconnector having a lip seal 84 like that illustrated in FIG. 4. exceptthat the lip seal is positioned forward of the flange 42 on the sleevel6 when the connector members are mated.

FIG. 6 illustrates a modified form of a rear seal which may be utilizedin the present invention. The rear seal comprises an integral inwardlyand rearwardly extending resilient lip 86 which terminates in acylindrical radially expandable sleeve 88 concentrically disposed withinthe contact passage 52. The sleeve 88 is dimen sioned to have aninterference fit with the insulated wire 60 disposed in the passage. Theseal effectiveness increases with increasing external pressure acting onthe external surface of the sleeve 88 and lip 86. It is noted that thelip 86 must extend rearwardly rather than forwardly inasmuch as with thelatter increasing external pressure would overcome the elastic forcescausing the seal to leak. The contact 56 in the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 6 is shown as being an open barrel type contact. It is importantthat all the exposed edges of the crimp barrel of the contact 56, and ofthe contacts illustrated on in the other figures of the drawing, besmoothed as by deburring so that the rear seal 70 will not be scoredwhen the contacts are inserted into the connector members. which mightlead to possible leakage pathways.

FIG. 7 illustrates a modified form of a contact retention arrangementwhich may be utilized in the present invention. In this embodiment. alongitudinally extending radially resilient finger 90 is integrallyformed with the wall of the contact passage 52. A radially inwardlyextending flange element 92 is formed on the end of the finger 90. Thisflange element extends into the contact recess 66 to limit axialmovement of the contact within the passage 52. It will be appreciatedthat due to the resiliency of the finger 90, the flange element 92 willbe forced radially outwardly when the contact 56 is in serted into orwithdrawn from the passage 52.

It will be appreciated that the various forms of interfacial and rearseals disclosed herein may be utilized in the connector of the presentinvention in any combination. For example. the rear lip seal illustratedin FIG. 6 could be used in place of the rear labyrinth seal in theconnector illustrated in FIG. 1. In addition, either of the interfaciallip seals illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be substituted for theinterfacial labyrinth seal in the connector illustrated in FIG. I. Also.for example. either of the interfacial lip seals illustrated in FIGS. 4and 5 could be added in combination with the labyrinth interfacial sealin the connector illustrated FIG. 1. Other combinations andmodifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:

I. An electrical connector comprising:

mating plug and receptacle connector members each comprising a one-pieceunitary elastic pliant body; said receptacle connector member embodyinga resiliently radially-expandable forwardly-extending sleeve portion anda central forwardly-extending supporting projection spaced from saidsleeve portion to define a generally annular recess therebetween. saidsleeve portion having a generally cylindrical inner surface surroundingsaid projection; said plug connector member embodying aforwardlyextending annular section slidably insertable into said annularrecess. said projection providing a relatively rigid support for saidannular section;

said annular section providing a central cavity slidably receiving saidprojection and having a generally cylindrical outer surface;

one of said cylindrical surfaces being smoothly continuous andsubstantially free of undulations throughout its length;

a plurality of longitudinally-spaced annular ribs integral with theother of said cylindrical surfaces. said ribs being adapted to becompressively deformed in a sealing interference fit with said smoothlycontinuous cylindrical surface to form a first seal having a pluralityof sealing contacts over a length of said receptacle connector memberdefined by said longitudinally-spaced ribs;

said annular section having an inner surface adapted to mate in sealingengagement with a cooperating outer surface of said supportingprojection to form a second seal underlying said first seal;

longitudinally extending aligned contact passages in said plug andreceptacle connector members. said receptacle connector member contactpassage extending through said projection and said plug connector membercontact passage opening into said cavity;

a plurality of annular integral ribs on the wall of each of saidpassages adjacent to the rear thereof dimensioned to have aninterference fit with an insulated wire terminating in a contact in theforward portion of said passage; and

means in each said passage for removably retaining a contact therein.

2. An electrical connector as set forth in claim I wherein:

the outer periphery of each said rib on said other cylindrical surfacehas a convexly curved configura tion in longitudinal cross-section.

3. An electrical connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

said supporting projection and said annular section have matingfrusto-conical surfaces.

4. An electrical connector as set forth in claim I wherein:

each said contact retaining means is integrally formed on the wall ofeach said passage.

5. An electrical connector as set forth in claim I wherein:

the inner periphery of said ribs on said contact passage walls have aconvexly curved configuration in longitudinal cross-section.

6. An electrical connector as set forth in claim I wherein:

the outer surface of said supporting projection and the wall of saidcavity are in sealing contact.

7. An electrical connector as set forth in claim I including:

latching means in addition to said ribs integrally formed on said plugand receptacle connector members for releasably holding said members inmating engagement.

8. An electrical connector as set forth in claim 7 ing contact passage;and wherein: said annular ribs on the wall of each said contact passaidlatching means comprises an inwardly extending sage sealingly engagingsaid insulated wire.

flange on said receptacle connector member adja- 10. An electricalconnector as set forth in claim 9 cent to the end of said sleevedefining a rearwardly wherein: facing surface and a rearwardly facingsurface each said contact is formed with an annular recess; formed onsaid plug connector member behind said and sealing means engageable withsaid surface on said each said contact retaining means extends into thereceptacle connector member, said surfaces being annular recess in itsrespective contact limiting loninclined so that upon applying adisengaging force 10 gitudinal movement of said contact. to saidconnector members said flange will expand 11. An electrical connector asset forth in claim 10 radially outwardly. wherein: 9. An electricalconnector as set forth in claim 1 in each said contact retaining meanscomprises a radicluding: ally inwardly extending annular flange beingsuffia contact mounted in each of said contact passages. cientlyresilient and pliant to allow said contact to each said contact beingconnected to an insulated pass therethrough. wire extending through therear of its correspond-

1. An electrical connector comprising: mating plug and receptacleconnector members each comprising a one-piece unitary elastic pliantbody; said receptacle connector member embodying a resilientlyradially-expandable forwardly-extending sleeve portion and a centralforwardly-extending supporting projection spaced from said sleeveportion to define a generally annular recess therebetween, said sleeveportion having a generally cylindrical inner surface surrounding saidprojection; said plug connector member embodying a forwardly-extendingannular section slidably insertable into said annular recess, saidprojection providing a relatively rigid support for said annularsection; said annular section providing a central cavity slidablyreceiving said projection and having a generally cylindrical outersurface; one of said cylindrical surfaces being smoothly continuous andsubstantially free of undulations throughout its length; a plurality oflongitudinally-spaced annular ribs integral with the other of saidcylindrical surfaces, said ribs being adapted to be compressivelydeformed in a sealing interference fit with said smoothly continuouscylindrical surface to form a first seal having a plurality of sealingcontacts over a length of said receptacle connector member defined bysaid longitudinally-spaced ribs; said annular section having an innersurface adapted to mate in sealing engagement with a cooperating outersurface of said supporting projection to form a second seal underlyingsaid first seal; longitudinally extending aligned contact passages insaid plug and receptacle connector members, said receptacle connectormember contact passage extending through said projection and said plugconnector member contact passage opening into said cavity; a pluralityof annular integral ribs on the wall of each of said passages adjacentto the rear thereof dimensioned to have an interference fit with aninsulated wire termiNating in a contact in the forward portion of saidpassage; and means in each said passage for removably retaining acontact therein.
 2. An electrical connector as set forth in claim 1wherein: the outer periphery of each said rib on said other cylindricalsurface has a convexly curved configuration in longitudinalcross-section.
 3. An electrical connector as set forth in claim 1wherein: said supporting projection and said annular section have matingfrusto-conical surfaces.
 4. An electrical connector as set forth inclaim 1 wherein: each said contact retaining means is integrally formedon the wall of each said passage.
 5. An electrical connector as setforth in claim 1 wherein: the inner periphery of said ribs on saidcontact passage walls have a convexly curved configuration inlongitudinal cross-section.
 6. An electrical connector as set forth inclaim 1 wherein: the outer surface of said supporting projection and thewall of said cavity are in sealing contact.
 7. An electrical connectoras set forth in claim 1 including: latching means in addition to saidribs integrally formed on said plug and receptacle connector members forreleasably holding said members in mating engagement.
 8. An electricalconnector as set forth in claim 7 wherein: said latching means comprisesan inwardly extending flange on said receptacle connector memberadjacent to the end of said sleeve defining a rearwardly facing surfaceand a rearwardly facing surface formed on said plug connector memberbehind said sealing means engageable with said surface on saidreceptacle connector member, said surfaces being inclined so that uponapplying a disengaging force to said connector members said flange willexpand radially outwardly.
 9. An electrical connector as set forth inclaim 1 including: a contact mounted in each of said contact passages,each said contact being connected to an insulated wire extending throughthe rear of its corresponding contact passage; and said annular ribs onthe wall of each said contact passage sealingly engaging said insulatedwire.
 10. An electrical connector as set forth in claim 9 wherein: eachsaid contact is formed with an annular recess; and each said contactretaining means extends into the annular recess in its respectivecontact limiting longitudinal movement of said contact.
 11. Anelectrical connector as set forth in claim 10 wherein: each said contactretaining means comprises a radially inwardly extending annular flangebeing sufficiently resilient and pliant to allow said contact to passtherethrough.